"We grew up together when she lived in Kingi St and I lived around the corner.

"She was a great politician and really supported me, she was always there. She thrived on it and loved to be a part of everything.

"She was a great ambassador for Rotorua and New Zealand," Mrs Mitchell said.

Tributes also came in from the country's Maori politicians, including Labour's Shane Jones and the Maori Party's Pita Sharples and Te Ururoa Flavell.

"Maureen was greatly admired and highly regarded not only in her role as a district councillor, but for her commitment to her iwi and the selfless way in which she worked towards bettering the lives of others," Mr Jones said.

Mrs Waaka is survived by husband John and five children - Te Kohika, Te O Kahurangi, Hinemateoro, Puarangi and Rangimawhiti - 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Her tangi will be at Te Papaiouru Marae at Ohinemutu from 11am on Thursday.